Interview: Recruiting to Blow Up for 3-Star 2022 Arkansas OL Brock Burns
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Ozark High School played to their strengths on offense a year ago, and that was ground and pound. The Hillbillies were one of the best in the state of Arkansas at crushing the souls of the opposition on the ground chomping up over 3,700 yards on the ground with 48 individual trips into the end zone. The anchor for the unit on the blindside was three-star Class of 2022 talent Brock Burns. The 6-4, 285-pound, standout was a road-grader on running downs with quick feet and speed getting out in space taking on defenders at the next level.
With word getting out on Burns’ talents, an offer has been dropped by the Kansas Jayhawks with college programs ready to talk to the pancake auteur when NCAA regulations allow for it on Sept. 1. To cover ground on all of it, Burns stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed conversation.
*On August 8, 2020, Burns verbally committed to the Kansas Jayhawks
Interview
Brock, you spent the 2019 season protecting your quarterback’s blindside dominating your one-on-one matchups throughout the year. How did you see your game grow throughout the schedule going against 4A Arkansas linemen and linebackers?
We got better throughout the season as a team. I barely played as a freshman but that gave me experience heading into last season. For me, my technique and knowledge of the game improved. I knew who will be where and how the play will develop. My flow with the speed of the game improved too. I knew where a linebacker would be when pulling and stuff like that.
The offense was pouring it on defenses for 31 points per game, what was working making that unit so successful?
Our size. We were really big last season; we averaged 302 pounds on our offensive line. As a high school offensive line, that is huge. We ran it down their throat the whole game.
What style of offense will the Hillbillies be executing in 2020?
Same offense, Spread mostly.
Where all will we see you lining up during the 2020 season? Are you playing any defense, lining up as a Wildcat QB?
(Laughs), No, I’m not playing any Wildcat this season. I will play more on defense this year and play the same position on offense at left tackle.
What have you done to fine-tune the small details of your pass-protection this offseason?
My cousin and I, he was an All-State linebacker/defensive end, we got after it a lot. He’s a stud. He worked me good.
How have you worked to improve your run blocking?
By getting stronger and working on the sled machine working on my legs.
Staying with your strength, did you get a chance to max out this offseason?
Yes. I squatted 355 and got 280 on bench.
A great foundation for you to keep building off of going forward. How did fall camp go for you?
Sometime in June we started with helmets, then we only practiced for about an hour getting back into shape. Two or three weeks before school started on Monday, we started in full-pads. That’s when we got after it. We are improving.
Where are you showing personal improvements over last season?
From last year, I was at 250 pounds. I put on 35 pounds this offseason working out and eating right. Now, I am more of a lineman. I ate more protein. The goal is to get to 300 pounds by my senior year. We did a ton of ladders this summer, my footwork is better, my pad level is better for pass-pro, and I am not getting out in front. I am sitting back in my chair, staying level and getting a good punch in. I am a lot better than last year.
The first game for the Hillbillies is on Aug. 28 against Valley View, what kind of showdown are you expecting from the Eagles?
They are small up front but really quick. I can’t lunge this week; I have to stay back and drive when I get a hold of them.
*The game was pushed back after this interview
What goals have you set for the upcoming season?
My goal is to be All-State, and the team goal is state champions.
Let’s wrap talking recruiting. Heading into the 2020 season which schools are showing recruiting interest?
I have follows on Twitter from Willie Fritz and a lot of the Tulane coaches, some Florida State coaches, Duke, Louisiana Tech, Colorado State, Memphis, and North Texas.
That first big offer was dropped, which school offered you?
Kansas.
That’s fantastic. Congratulations.
Thank you.
Before the dead period began in March, did you get any unofficial visits conducted?
Yes, I drove to Lawrence (Kansas) with my family.
Brock, thanks for taking time to talk with us today. Wishing you and the team a wonderful 2020 season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Burns family; Brock Burns
He’s actually commited to KU, as of 2 weeks ago.